Build a Windows 10 PC for $400

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Processor

Let's start with the brain of the PC -- the processor. I'm not interested in Intel vs. AMD fanboy wars here and just want a good quality part at a reasonable price. I've chosen here the AMD A8-7650K quad-core 3.3GHz part.
Since this is an APU I'm getting both the CPU and GPU in a single package, and getting both at a very low price.
$97

Published: April 26, 2016 -- 13:34 GMT (06:34 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Motherboard

Since we've chosen a budget processor, it makes sense not to overspend on the motherboard too, and with that in mind I've gone for the GIGABYTE GA-F2A68HM-DS2H board. Not only is this board fully compatible with the APU, it is compatible with Socket FM2+ processors too, giving you room for future upgrades.
The board gives you UEFI support and USB 3.0 ports (two, along with another four USB 2.0 ports).
$50

Published: April 26, 2016 -- 13:34 GMT (06:34 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
RAM

Some basic RAM - CORSAIR Vengeance LP 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
$24

Published: April 26, 2016 -- 13:34 GMT (06:34 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Storage

It's strange to think that 1TB drives are pretty much the new sweet spot when buying storage. And since they come in well under $100, it makes sense to use one.
I've gone for the Western Digital WD Blue WD10EZEX. A no-nonsense 7,2000 RPM SATA drive with 64MB of cache.
$53

Published: April 26, 2016 -- 13:34 GMT (06:34 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
PSU

The PC now needs power, and this is the point to be careful, because not only can you overspend on PSUs, underspending means that you'll probably be replacing it within a year.
I prefer to stick with a good brand, and have gone for the Thermaltake TR2 TR-500, a 500W unit capable of powering everything in your PC with plenty of overhead for any upgrades.
$45

Published: April 26, 2016 -- 13:34 GMT (06:34 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Case

The case is where things get personal. Some people like fancy cases, while others prefer a minimal approach. Some like a big case, others want something small. Me, I'm happy as long as I can get my hands into it, and the sharp edges that invariably slice my flesh are kept to a minimum.
I'm going for a Rosewill FBM-01 case for this build. It's cheap and reasonably well made, and holds all the parts. It also has a couple of fans to keep the air moving.
$30

Published: April 26, 2016 -- 13:34 GMT (06:34 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Windows 10 Home

Last but not least, we come to the most expensive part of the build.
$100

Published: April 26, 2016 -- 13:34 GMT (06:34 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Looking to build a cheap Windows 10 PC? Here are the components you need to build a system that comes in at $400, including Windows 10! As always, shop around for the best deal on components, and remember that component prices change regularly.

PSU

The PC now needs power, and this is the point to be careful, because not only can you overspend on PSUs, underspending means that you'll probably be replacing it within a year.

I prefer to stick with a good brand, and have gone for the Thermaltake TR2 TR-500, a 500W unit capable of powering everything in your PC with plenty of overhead for any upgrades.

$45

Published: April 26, 2016 -- 13:34 GMT (06:34 PDT)

Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

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